Michael Hatchett at Coldwell Banker Hugh Durham & Associates — What to Know Before You Buy or Sell

Who Michael Hatchett is and what he does

Michael Hatchett is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Hugh Durham & Associates, one of South Carolina's established independent brokerages. He works with buyers and sellers in the South Carolina market, helping clients navigate property transactions from listing to closing. Like other agents at the firm, Hatchett operates under Coldwell Banker's national brand standards while working within the local South Carolina real estate landscape.

Coldwell Banker Hugh Durham & Associates is independently owned and operated, meaning it is not part of the larger Coldwell Banker corporate chain. The firm has maintained its own identity and local market knowledge while using the Coldwell Banker brand and resources. This structure can matter to you as a client—it often means faster decision-making and agents who know their specific neighborhoods deeply.

Key Takeaways

• Michael Hatchett represents Coldwell Banker Hugh Durham & Associates, an independent brokerage operating under the Coldwell Banker brand in South Carolina.
• Before working with any agent, you should confirm their current license status, years of experience, and which specific areas they know best.
• Real estate agents in South Carolina must be licensed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and follow state and federal fair housing laws.
• You can ask an agent about their transaction history, average time on market for their listings, and how they price homes in your neighborhood.
• Buyer's agents and seller's agents have different roles; understanding which one you are working with affects how they are paid and where their duties lie.

How to verify an agent's license and background

Before you sign any paperwork or commit to working with Michael Hatchett or any real estate agent, you should verify their license status. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission maintains a public database where you can search any agent's current license, disciplinary history, and whether they are authorized to practice. You can search this database on the SCREC website at no cost.

When you search, look for the agent's license number, the date it was issued, and whether it shows any complaints or disciplinary actions. An agent with a clean record and a license that has been active for several years is generally a lower-risk choice than someone newly licensed. You can also ask the agent directly how long they have been licensed and whether they have ever had complaints filed against them—a straightforward agent will answer directly.

What to ask before you hire an agent

Once you have confirmed the license is valid, ask Michael Hatchett or any agent you are considering specific questions about their experience and approach. Ask how many homes they have sold in the past year, how long homes typically stay on the market under their representation, and what neighborhoods they know best. An agent who has sold 30 homes in your target area in the past 12 months knows that market better than one who has sold 5 homes across the entire state.

Ask whether they will represent you as a buyer's agent, a seller's agent, or both. This matters because a buyer's agent works for you and is paid from the seller's commission, while a seller's agent works for the seller. Some agents represent both parties in the same transaction—this is called dual agency and is legal in South Carolina but creates a conflict of interest. Understand the arrangement before you sign anything.

Ask how they price homes. Do they use comparable sales from the past three months? Do they order a professional appraisal? Do they adjust for condition, lot size, and recent renovations? An agent who can walk you through their pricing method in detail is more trustworthy than one who gives a quick estimate without explanation.

How real estate transactions work in South Carolina

South Carolina real estate transactions follow state law and involve several standard steps. Once you have an offer accepted, you typically have a period to conduct inspections, order an appraisal, and secure financing. The seller must disclose known defects in the property using the South Carolina Residential Property Disclosure Statement. Your agent should explain what this document means and what it does and does not cover.

Closing usually happens 30 to 45 days after the offer is accepted, though this can vary. At closing, a title company or attorney handles the paperwork, the lender funds the loan, and ownership transfers. Your agent's job is to keep the transaction moving, flag problems early, and make sure you understand each step. A good agent will walk you through the closing disclosure at least a day before closing so you are not surprised by numbers.

What to expect from a seller's agent

If you are selling a home, a seller's agent like Michael Hatchett will list your property, market it to other agents and the public, show it to potential buyers, and negotiate offers on your behalf. The agent is paid a commission, usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This commission comes from the sale price and is typically negotiable—do not assume it is a fixed percentage.

A good seller's agent will price your home competitively based on recent sales of similar homes, not on what you hope to get. They will recommend repairs or updates that add value, stage the home for showings, and handle the paperwork. They should also be honest about the market—if homes in your neighborhood are taking 60 days to sell on average, they should tell you that rather than promise a quick sale.

What to expect from a buyer's agent

If you are buying a home, a buyer's agent will help you search for properties, arrange showings, research neighborhoods and schools, and negotiate your offer. The buyer's agent is paid from the seller's commission, so there is no direct cost to you—but this also means the agent has an incentive to close the sale, not necessarily to protect your interests. You should still treat the relationship as a professional one and ask questions.

A buyer's agent should know the neighborhoods you are interested in, understand your budget and timeline, and be honest about a home's condition and value. They should not pressure you to make an offer you are uncomfortable with or rush you into a decision. If an agent is pushing you to buy quickly or dismissing your concerns about a property, that is a sign to work with someone else.

Fair housing laws and your rights

South Carolina and federal law prohibit real estate agents from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. This means an agent cannot steer you toward or away from neighborhoods based on these characteristics, cannot refuse to show you a property, and cannot quote you different terms or prices. If you believe an agent has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

You also have the right to representation free from pressure or misrepresentation. If an agent lies about a property's condition, the market, or the terms of a deal, that is grounds for a complaint. Keep records of conversations, emails, and documents so you have evidence if a problem arises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Michael Hatchett is the right agent for me?

The right agent for you depends on your specific needs and the market you are in. Check his license status, ask about his experience in your neighborhood, and see if his communication style matches yours. You are not obligated to work with the first agent you meet—interview a few and choose the one you trust most.

Can I work with a buyer's agent if I am buying a home?

Yes. A buyer's agent represents your interests during the purchase and is paid from the seller's commission. You should not pay the buyer's agent directly. Ask any agent upfront whether they will represent you as a buyer's agent before you start looking at homes.

What happens if I disagree with my agent's advice?

You can ask for a second opinion, consult an attorney, or work with a different agent. You are not bound to follow your agent's advice, though ignoring professional guidance can cost you money. If you lose trust in your agent, it is better to switch than to proceed with someone you doubt.

How much does a real estate agent cost?

As a buyer, you typically pay nothing directly—the buyer's agent is paid from the seller's commission. As a seller, you negotiate the commission rate with your agent; it is not fixed by law and varies by market and agent. Ask about the commission before you list your home.

What should I do if I think an agent has treated me unfairly?

Document what happened, including dates, times, and what was said. Contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission to file a complaint. You can also consult a real estate attorney if you believe you have suffered financial harm.